Written by a foremost expert on the life of the beloved St. Thérèse of Lisieux, this work is widely considered as the most definitive and popular presentation of her life. St. Thérèse is the most popular modern saint of our times.

Who was this young French Carmelite who died in 1897 of tuberculosis at age twenty-four? At a time when extreme physical penance was widespread in many religious orders, Thérèse would have none of it. Her passionate love of Jesus led her to concentrate entirely on him rather than on personal austerities.

Misunderstood in her own community but now universally loved, she left behind her autobiographical, best-selling book, The Story of a Soul, which captured with rapture her passionate love of Christ and the spirituality of "the little way" - that all of us can live out the ideal of doing everything with love for God and become saints.

Based on Thérèse's famous notebooks, letters, poems, plays, and prayers, Story of a Life reveals her true face: the Thérèse who detested "old wives" devotions; the Thérèse who longed passionately to be priest, martyr, and apostle - and could still fall asleep over her prayers in chapel.

The truth of her life is that God can take a psychologically fragile adolescent and turn her into the greatest saint of the 20th century because, in Thérèse's own words, "I have never relied on myself, only on Jesus."

“ Masterful. Answers a widespread demand for the finest biography of this ‘greatest saint of modern times’.”— Bishop Patrick Ahern, Author, Three Giftts of Thérèse of Lisieux 

“ Story of a Life fills the gaps of Story of a Soul. It will help you better know the greatest saint of modern times and teh fascinating context of her sanctity. ” — Father Michael Gaitley, M.I.C., Author, 33 Days to Merciful Love

“ This classic biography of Saint Thérèse made a powerful impact on me when I read an earlier edition as a young woman. It deeply inspired me to want to be like her, long before I left Hollywood to become a contemplative nun. ” — Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B., Author, The Ear of the Heart

“ Thanks to Guy Gaucher we now know Thérèse of Lisieux as she really was. This meticulously researched yet engaging biography will appeal to those new to Thérèse as well as to established devotees.”— Heather King, Author, Shirt of Flame: A Year with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

“ If you read only one biography of Saint Thérèse, make it this one. It is packed with information you won't easily find elsewhere.”— Connie Rossini Author, Trusting God with St. Thérèse

“ Authoritative and complete. Thérèse emerges as a modern heroine of Gospel simplicity and delity. Excellent spiritual reading. ” — Criterion

“ REadable and authentic. An account that is honest without sacrificing devotion. A worthy compansion to Story of a Soul.”— Catholic Standard